HomeMy WebLinkAboutReg 2013-09-03 Item 2B - Proclamation - National Recovery MonthOffice of the Mayor
City of Tukwila, Washington
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, behavioral health is an essential part of health and one's overall wellness; and
WHEREAS, prevention of mental and/or substance use disorders works, treatment is effective,
and people recover in our area and around the nation; and
WHEREAS, preventing and overcoming mental and/or substance use disorders is essential to
achieving healthy lifestyles, both physically and emotionally; and
WHEREAS, we must encourage relatives and friends of people with mental and/or substance
use disorders to implement preventive measures, recognize the signs of a problem, and guide
those in need to appropriate treatment and recovery support services; and
WHEREAS, in 2011, 3.8 million people received specialty treatment for a substance use
disorder and more than 31.6 million adults aged 18 or older received services for mental
disorders, according to the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Given the serious
nature of this public health problem, we must continue to reach the millions more who need
help; and
WHEREAS, on October 1, 2013 as a result of the Affordable Care Act, more than 11 million
uninsured individuals with behavioral health needs will become eligible for affordable
insurance coverage for their treatment needs, according to the 2011 National Survey on Drug
Use and Health. We must ensure that all of these individuals are successfully enrolled into
coverage; and
WHEREAS, to help more people achieve and sustain long -term recovery, the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA), the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy
(ONDCP), and the City of Tukwila invite all residents to participate in National Recovery
Month;
NOW THEREFORE, I, Jim Haggerton, Mayor of the City of Tukwila, do hereby proclaim the
month of September as:
National Recovery Month
in the City of Tukwila and strongly encourage all citizens of Tukwila to join me in this special
observance.
Presented at the City Council meeting this 3rd day of September, 2013.
, Mayor